Japanese government continues to provide systematic assistance in the reconstruction of Ukraine. As part of the cooperation between the two countries, Japan announced the transfer of 1,800 gabions – protective structures for critical infrastructure facilities – to Ukraine.

The first 320 of them have already been delivered. The gabions were handed over with the participation of Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, and Satoshi Sugimoto, Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ukraine.

“Ensuring the first level of critical infrastructure protection requires coordinated work of the Government, international partners and critical infrastructure operators. Thanks to the partnership assistance of the Government of Japan, we have gained additional passive protection capabilities for important infrastructure facilities. This is extremely important for strengthening Ukraine’s resilience in times of war. We appreciate Japan’s reliable and consistent support in providing the necessary municipal equipment to war-affected communities, managing the destruction waste, humanitarian demining and protecting critical infrastructure,” said Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.

The gabions will be distributed among all line and production departments of the GTS Operator of Ukraine.

In particular, this applies to the frontline regions that need the greatest protection of their critical facilities. GTS Operator will receive the remaining gabions in the near future. The protective structures will be installed immediately upon arrival at the facilities to enhance protection against attacks.